Distribution, morphology, and taxonomy of the psychrolutid fish Cottunculus granulosus (Karrer) from the southwestern Atlantic

Abstract

Cottunculus granulosus, previously known only from the holotype, is now known to be relatively common and to occur from Uruguay to southernmost Argentina at depths of 150–1250 m as a result of trawling expeditions by the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, and United States. Two forms exist, a plain-colored, short-spined form and a banded, long-spined form. It is possible that Bunocottus apus represents the same species as C. granulosus. Of the six or so species of Cottunculus, C. granulosus appears to be most closely related to C. microps, C. sadko, and C. thompsoni of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans.